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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> 50mm f1.7 vs 50mm f2.8 macro
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
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 10/15/2007 09:27:06 AM · #1
Hi, I have a Sony a100 with a zoom lens (18-200 f3.5) and fancied getting a prime lens. Firstly to compare quality with my quality-compromised super zoom but also experiment with a much faster lens. The Minolta 50mm 1.7 is frequently on ebay for around £50 and compared to the slightly faster Sony branded 50mm 1.4 which is around £300 new it seems quie a good bargin.

However, I also would like to play about with macro too and the Minolta 50mm 2.8 macro appears on ebay slightly less often and for slightly more money. Ideally, for macro, the 100mm would be better but I've not yet seen one on ebay and the Sony one is silly money. I was thinking about maybe just getting the 50mm 2.8 macro and killing two birds with one stone and use it as both a macro and fast portrait (although not as fast as the 1.7).

Is the speed difference between 1.7 and 2.8 really worth worrying about and can I justify getting both given they are both the same length? For macro, perhaps I should hold out for the 100mm and just get the 50mm 1.7 now?

If you have any strong views about what to do it would be great to hear them.

Thanks
 10/15/2007 09:31:46 AM · #2
wise questions ... the short answer is you'll eventually own both a macro and a fast prime :)

That being said, for portraits, 2.8 will be fine ... more than fine, actually, and the macro will most likely be a sharper lens, I'd go with that UNLESS you know you want to be doing low light photography. In that case, get the 1.7 and an extension tube which will give the 1.7 macro-ish ability.

Hope this helps

Message edited by author 2007-10-15 09:33:03.
 10/15/2007 09:36:43 AM · #3
a 50mm f/2.8 probably won't have a very distant minimum focus distance (the distance at which you achieve the greatest magnification), which means that you will need to be very close to take pictures of what you want.

On the other hand, you might consider the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 which I hear is superb.
 10/15/2007 09:43:30 AM · #4
Thanks for the response, great idea with the extension tubes, I could use them as well on my 18-200.

When I said I could use the 2.8 as both a macro and fast portrait, by portrait I really meant to say non-macro, i.e. low light, extreme freeze frame as well as everyday stuff. The difference between 1.7 and 2.8, is it really going to be significant?

Like the idea about the Tamron too, it got great reviews in a recent magazine I bought and at 90mm is more practical than 50mm from what I've read.

Thanks
 10/15/2007 09:45:29 AM · #5
yes

Originally posted by spencerwood:
The difference between 1.7 and 2.8, is it really going to be significant?
 10/15/2007 09:46:24 AM · #6
Hi. I have the 100 2.8 Macro and absolutely LOVE it! I sold my Tamron 90 SP Macro (which is very good as well).

These are available on eBay (semi-frequently), but it's rare to find a bargain as they sell for nearly full retail of the new Sony's.

Yes, 50mm 1.7's are available, but personally I wonder for how long. With Sony in the news with their new A700 I've seen eBay activity picking up substantially for the older Minolta primes. This lens is a must have IMO. The ability to shoot in extremely low light with very good results is quite handy. Look at (if you haven't already) some results posted here ==> KM AF 50 f1.7 Side note - many of the B/W shots in my 30 Day B/W folder (portfolio) were taken with the 1.7.

As for the 50mm 2.8 Macro...I think it would be a great lens to get for macro photography. Not quite the working distance as the 100, but I would wager it's pretty sharp as well. As for low light, I don't see the 50mm 2.8 Macro performing as well as the 1.7. That being said, I'm considering picking one up anyway as there are times I actually would like a shorter distance to subject for macros.

Check out the forums/reviews at dyxum.com. It's a dedicated site to Minolta/KM/Sony.

Since advertising plugs seems to be "ok" at the moment...I do have a 50 1.7 listed on eBay currently. :D Minolta Maxxum AF 50MM F1.7 LENS - Nice!
 10/15/2007 09:56:32 AM · #7
Thanks for the links. It sounds like the 1.7 would be a good bet. You are right, ebay activity is up... £50 is about the going rate. The Canon and Nikon equivalents are about £80 new and are the cheapest lenses you can get. However, as a Sony person, the only alternative is almost £300 for a new Sony one which makes the £50 seem reasonable.

As for the macro, perhaps I'll pass on the 50mm 2.8 and perhaps try out the tubes while I wait for a deal on the 100mm Sony

Regards

10/15/2007 10:19:59 AM · #8
Originally posted by spencerwood:
... As for the macro, perhaps I'll pass on the 50mm 2.8 and perhaps try out the tubes while I wait for a deal on the 100mm Sony

Regards

Here's an active one (currently @ $250) with just under 2 days left. Last one I was watching sold for a tad over $500. Minolta AF 100mm f:2.8 Macro

Good luck in whatever choice(s) you make! :)
 10/15/2007 11:44:35 AM · #9
I have the 50mm 1.7 and i love it. I think that the difference between 1.7 and 2.8 is big enough that your plan on getting the 1.7 and waiting on a 100mm would be good. Just my 2 cents,

edit: the 1.7 is such an awesome portrait lens, here are some of my fav shots that I have taken with it:





Message edited by author 2007-10-15 11:47:49.
 10/17/2007 04:05:09 PM · #10
Hi all, I've gone for the 50mm 1.7 as I found one on ebay going nice and cheap. Look out for some low light specials in the coming weeks :-)

Thanks for your input
 10/17/2007 04:54:42 PM · #11
i love my 50mm 1.7 you will not regret buying it!

for a cheep macro to get you started there is a lense called the plastic fantastic linky which is a very good 1:2 close-up lens, sharp, fast (even if the focus speed is not) and a good length for portraits and i kind of like it as a landscape lens as well. it comes with a macro screw on lens that drops the quality right down, but it is very cheap :)
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